BIOL 252 MIDTERM EXAM REVIEW UPDATED
QUESTIONS AND 100% CORRECT ANSWERS
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What is the concept of homeostasis and its significance in physiology? -
ANSWER: Homeostasis is the maintenance of a stable internal environment,
crucial for physiological stability.
What does dynamic constancy in homeostasis refer to? - ANSWER: Dynamic
constancy refers to the ability of the body to maintain stable internal conditions
despite external changes.
How do different organ systems contribute to homeostasis? - ANSWER: Different
organ systems work together to regulate variables such as temperature, pH, and
electrolyte balance.
What are feedback mechanisms in homeostasis? - ANSWER: Feedback
mechanisms are processes that restore homeostasis, including negative feedback
(which counteracts changes) and positive feedback (which amplifies changes).
What role does negative feedback play in physiological stability? - ANSWER:
Negative feedback stabilizes physiological variables, such as blood pressure and
body temperature, by counteracting deviations from set points.
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Give an example of a positive feedback system in physiology. - ANSWER:
Childbirth and blood clotting are examples of positive feedback systems that
enhance processes until a specific outcome is achieved.
What are the consequences of malfunctioning feedback systems on homeostasis? -
ANSWER: Malfunctioning feedback systems can lead to imbalances, resulting in
conditions such as hypertension or hypothermia.
What components make up a reflex arc? - ANSWER: A reflex arc consists of
receptors, afferent pathways, integrating centers, efferent pathways, and effectors.
How do reflexive and local homeostatic responses differ? - ANSWER: Reflexive
responses involve a central processing center, while local responses occur at the
site of the stimulus without central involvement.
What roles do hormones, nerves, and local signals play in homeostasis? -
ANSWER: Hormones, nerves, and local signals effect changes in response to
homeostatic imbalances, coordinating physiological responses.
What are the differences between covalent, ionic, and hydrogen bonds? -
ANSWER: Covalent bonds involve sharing electrons, ionic bonds involve transfer
of electrons, and hydrogen bonds are weak attractions between polar molecules.
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How do polar and nonpolar molecules differ in solubility? - ANSWER: Polar
molecules are soluble in water, while nonpolar molecules are not, affecting
biological compartmentalization.
What are the four major classes of organic molecules? - ANSWER: The four
major classes are carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids, each with
distinct structures and functions.
How do structural variations in organic molecules impact their biological
functions? - ANSWER: Structural variations influence the specific roles of
organic molecules in processes like energy storage, signaling, and catalysis.
What is the role of proteins in biological systems? - ANSWER: Proteins are
involved in enzymatic activity, cellular communication, and providing structural
integrity.
What is chemical specificity in protein-ligand interactions? - ANSWER: Chemical
specificity refers to the ability of a protein to selectively bind to certain ligands
based on shape and charge.
How does ligand concentration affect protein saturation? - ANSWER: Changes in
ligand concentration can increase or decrease the saturation of proteins, influencing
cellular responses.
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What is the difference between allosteric and covalent modulation? - ANSWER:
Allosteric modulation involves binding at sites other than the active site, while
covalent modulation involves chemical changes to the protein structure.
How do regulatory site bindings affect protein activity? - ANSWER: Binding at
regulatory sites can alter the affinity or functionality of active sites, impacting
protein activity.
What factors govern chemical reaction rates? - ANSWER: Factors include
temperature, substrate concentration, and the presence of catalysts.
What is the role of activation energy in chemical reactions? - ANSWER:
Activation energy is the energy required to initiate a reaction, influencing its
feasibility and speed.
What is the lock-and-key model of enzyme-substrate interaction? - ANSWER: A
model suggesting that the enzyme's active site is a perfect fit for the substrate,
allowing for a specific interaction.
What is the induced-fit model of enzyme-substrate interaction? - ANSWER: A
model where the enzyme changes shape upon substrate binding, enhancing the fit
and catalytic efficiency.